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Head-to-head · Salon Payroll Software

SalonApp vs Gratsio

  • Updated Oct 2026
  • Both researched from official sources
  • 8 checks side by side
Higher score SalonApp #1 in Salon Payroll Software 9.4/10 Free plan · 14-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 6 of 6 features Visit SalonApp
Gratsio #8 in Salon Payroll Software 8.6/10 Free plan · 7-day trial Free planFree trial✓ 3 of 6 features Visit Gratsio

SalonApp leads on 1 check, Gratsio on 1, and 6 are even. Who comes out ahead on the 8 yes/no, price and count checks where we have data for both products. The editor score weighs everything else too.

Our verdict

  • Highest scoreSalonApp · 9.4/10
  • Lowest starting priceGratsio · $29/mo
  • Free planboth
  • Free trialboth
  • Most featuresSalonApp · 6 of 6

SalonApp scores higher on our rubric for salon payroll software: 9.4 against 8.6 out of 10; our editors rank them #1 and #8.

Gratsio is cheaper to start at $29/mo against $39/mo. SalonApp offers tax filing; Gratsio doesn't.

SalonApp is the better fit for salons needing complete payroll and operations. Gratsio is the better fit for budget-conscious salons needing payroll rules.

  • SalonApp fits best

    Salons needing complete payroll and operations

  • Gratsio fits best

    Budget-conscious salons needing payroll rules

Advertiser disclosure: iTechGuides is reader-supported. Vendors can pay for top positions in our rankings and for a place on other products' pages, and we may earn a commission when you click some links. Bought places stand at the number bought; this page and our disclosure say so. Paying vendors may get a fuller, more detailed review from our editors, and that review can change their score. How we rank.

Side by side

Feature SalonApp 9.4/10 Visit ↗ Gratsio 8.6/10 Visit ↗
At a glance
Editor score 9.4 8.6
Ranking #1 in Salon Payroll Software #8 in Salon Payroll Software
Best for Salons needing complete payroll and operations Budget-conscious salons needing payroll rules
Pricing model Free plan + paid Free plan + paid
Starting price $39/mo $29/mo (best)
Free plan ✓ ✓
Free trial 14 days 7 days
Free trial length 14 days · no card needed 7 days · no card needed
Deployment Cloud, Mobile Cloud
Platforms Web, iOS, Android Web
Support Email, Phone, Live chat Email, Live chat, Community, Docs
Integrations 4 integrations 1 integrations
Built for Solo, Small business, Mid-market, Enterprise Solo, Small business, Enterprise
Features SalonApp 6/6 · Gratsio 3/6
Commission tracking ✓ ✓
Tip calculation ✓ ✓
Contractor payments ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Tax filing ✓ (best) —
Payroll reports ✓ ✓
Direct deposit ✓ (best) Not checked yet
Our review
Pros
  • US and Canadian payroll with tax tables, reports, and direct deposits
  • Commission tracking supports configurable service and retail rules
  • Web, iOS, and Android access with QuickBooks and Xero integrations
  • Free plan includes marketplace listing, booking and basic CRM
  • Tracks salary, commissions, bonuses, deductions and tips
  • Payroll reports connect compensation to completed tickets
Cons
  • The Free plan is limited to 15 clients, 20 appointments, and 1 staff member
  • Multi-location support and custom integrations are limited to Enterprise
  • Payroll management appears in the Professional tier rather than Starter
  • Does not file taxes
  • Does not pay staff directly
  • Advanced payroll and finance tools require the Studio plan
Our verdict

SalonApp, branded on its current site as Salon Manager, is cloud-based software for independent stylists, growing salons, spas, and multi-location operators. It brings appointment scheduling, online booking, point of sale, client profiles,…

Read the review →

Gratsio is a web-based platform for salons, studios, independent beauty professionals and multi-location beauty businesses. It combines online booking, appointment calendars, client records, payments, reminders, websites, analytics,…

Read the review →
  1. SalonAppSalon Payroll Software 9.4Free plan · 14-day trial
  2. GratsioSalon Payroll Software 8.6Free plan · 7-day trial

Strengths and trade-offs

  • SalonApp — where it wins

    • US and Canadian payroll with tax tables, reports, and direct deposits
    • Commission tracking supports configurable service and retail rules
    • Web, iOS, and Android access with QuickBooks and Xero integrations

    Where it doesn't

    • The Free plan is limited to 15 clients, 20 appointments, and 1 staff member
    • Multi-location support and custom integrations are limited to Enterprise
    • Payroll management appears in the Professional tier rather than Starter

  • Gratsio — where it wins

    • Free plan includes marketplace listing, booking and basic CRM
    • Tracks salary, commissions, bonuses, deductions and tips
    • Payroll reports connect compensation to completed tickets

    Where it doesn't

    • Does not file taxes
    • Does not pay staff directly
    • Advanced payroll and finance tools require the Studio plan
  • SalonApp9.4/10 · Free plan · 14-day trial

    A broad salon operations suite with payroll, commissions, and multi-location options.

    Visit SalonAppFull verdict →
  • Gratsio8.6/10 · Free plan · 7-day trial

    A budget-friendly salon platform with payroll reporting, but no tax filing or direct staff payments.

    Visit GratsioFull verdict →

More comparisons

All salon payroll software comparisons → · Full ranking →

Reviewed by iTechGuides Editors · Editorial team · Updated Oct 2026

Last updated · How we research and update